Metal Plate Fabricator Apprentice Review
at BAE Systems
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Manufacturing
Portsmouth
Review Submitted: May 2026
Overall Rating
3.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
1 year of training in a workshop and classroom, 3 years learning on the job, ship repair. Daily work includes reading technical drawings, measuring, marking out, grinding, cutting, tack welding.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
The work is great but the culture in the office amongst the managers is not healthy and that impacts on the tradesmen too.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a lot, welding with MIG and MMA, plasma cutting and washing, Oxy-Axceteline cutting and washing. etc.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
There is support where needed but the course as a whole is poorly organised
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
Enough if you look for it.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Enough if you look for it.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
1st year training is great.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
For office based apprentices there is a lot, but it is not so easy to access as a trade apprentice.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It will set you up very well for jobs down the line.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to BAE Systems?
N/A
Graduate Aerospace Integration Engineer
at BAE Systems
- Graduate Scheme
- Prestwick, Ayrshire and Arran
-
4.5
